A scottish company has been swamped with orders for a device which saves energy from vending machines.

Automatic Retailing (Scotland), which supplies vending machines, has had more than 500 requests for the Vend-Sense since it was launched late last year.

The small white box is easily fitted and uses motion sensors to control energy consumption.

With most vending machines plugged in 24 hours a day the device detects periods of inactivity when there are no customers.

It then cuts power to the equipment but continues to send enough electricity to keep the machine at the right temperature.

If there is a prolonged period of inactivity the device can be programmed to switch the machine off and early estimates suggest it could cut energy costs by more than 60 per cent.

George McFadden, technical and operations director at Bellshill-based Automatic Retailing, built the first prototypes himself.

He said: "From idea to production probably took about nine months. It is going really well.

"We are starting to meet some really big clients and we have started selling to the vending trade.

"I have always been the type of guy who would mess around with gadgets and it was just a natural progression to stumble upon something in the industry I am in.

"It is environmentally friendly because of the CO2 saving and the cost savings on energy prices.

"In Scotland alone, there are thousands of vending machines plugged in and wasting electricity when there are no customers in the vicinity.

"Vend-Sense is a unique device that is incredibly cost-effective and for businesses like ourselves who take pride in limiting our carbon footprint, Vend-Sense is a massive step forward for the vending industry."

Scottish Enterprise helped the company to secure funding for its research and development plans through the Small Company Innovation Scheme. Liz Connolly, senior director operations, Scottish Enterprise in Lanarkshire, said: "Automatic Retailing is a superb example of a confident, forward-thinking company that has spotted a gap in the market and filled it with a smart solution.

"Its commitment to research and development and its investment in energy efficiency are now reaping rewards with a busy order book."